Hi all. As a recent survivor of controlled crying/comforting, I can honestly say it was the hardest thing I have ever done....but it does work!!! I guess it all depends on how desperate you are for the situation to change.

Ky and I, from the sounds of it were very much like Mads and Freya. We were up close to every hour at night, and it got to the point where I was sleeping on a mattress on the floor of his room...with him joining me in the last few weeks cause he would only sleep with a boob in his mouth!!!! So off we went to sleep school, very, very desperate for things to change.

Well, the first night was just awful, he screamed, I cried, he vomitted etc etc etc, and this went on for 3.5 hours. I was a total mess, and if my car had been in the carpark, I would have been out of there. He eventually fell asleep at 10.30pm and only woke up one more time before the morning (I must admit though, I think that was from complete exhaustion). Next day, same story, lots of screaming from him and crying from me...I felt like I was deserting him.

Anyhow, 4 weeks down the track, Ky is sleeping in his own cot, going to bed at 7pm (instead of about 10pm!), and waking 2 - 3 times for a quick feed. Resettles himself very quickly too. Not an ideal sleeper, but 100% better. He is a different baby!!!

Fee - they told me if he wakes upset or won't settle themselves, to go in comfort them (pat, jig the cot, sshhh them) and when they are quiet, leave again. They said not to go in when screaming, instead wait for a short lull, so as not to reward the screaming behaviour.
We found rocking the cot from behind, so he can't see us works a treat. Does your cot have wheels??

sorry for the long post....it is a very debatable issue, but from our experience it has done the job. Still a few issues to work on...but all in good time!

Have a great weekend all...my 'little' girl is turning 5, and we are having a few of her friends for a sleepover (seemed like a good idea at the time!!??)